This week, Guatemalan authorities detained a suspected human smuggler who was allegedly transporting migrants, including Cubans, who had entered the Central American country illegally. The arrest occurred on September 30, at kilometer 25 on the route to the Atlantic, within the Palencia jurisdiction. According to a statement from the Civil National Police (PNC), the smuggler was caught transporting four individuals from Cuba, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti in a car.
Officers from the Mobile Interdiction Unit of the Ports, Airports, and Border Posts Division (DIPAFRONT) apprehended the driver, identified as José “N,” aged 25. He has been brought before a court that will decide his legal fate. In Guatemala, the crime of human smuggling can result in sentences of up to 10 years in prison.
The four foreign nationals received assistance and were taken to the Guatemalan Institute of Migration (IGM) for the necessary administrative procedures that will determine their migration status. On Thursday, a statement released on the Guatemalan Public Ministry's X account identified the detained smuggler as José E. and noted that the Prosecutor's Office against Human Smuggling obtained a formal charge against him for the crime of illicit human trafficking, following the investigation initiated after his capture.
During the operation, authorities seized cash and a mobile phone, which investigators will examine to gather information that could strengthen the case. Despite the aggressive immigration policies implemented by the Trump administration since his second term began, Guatemala remains a transit route for migrants, including Cubans, attempting to reach the United States.
The Guatemalan government frequently conducts control operations on highways and borders to curb irregular migration. Nevertheless, Cubans continue to risk traversing through Central America and crossing Guatemala to reach Mexico and continue towards the U.S. southern border.
Illegal human trafficking routes often present life-threatening situations for migrants. Last September, another smuggler transporting 11 migrants, six of them Cuban, was arrested after ignoring a PNC order to stop and fleeing. The trafficker had hidden the passengers in the back of a pickup truck under inhumane conditions. During the escape, he collided with at least six cars and 17 motorcycles, causing significant property damage.
In a separate operation in July, authorities intercepted a bus carrying 12 undocumented migrants, several of whom were Cuban, on a road in southern Guatemala heading towards the Mexican border.
Key Questions about Human Smuggling and Migration in Guatemala
What penalties does Guatemala impose for human smuggling?
In Guatemala, individuals found guilty of human smuggling can face up to 10 years in prison.
How are migrants assisted after being found in such operations?
Migrants are typically provided with assistance and taken to the Guatemalan Institute of Migration for the necessary procedures to determine their migration status.
What dangers do migrants face while being smuggled?
Migrants often face life-threatening situations, including being transported in inhumane conditions and being involved in dangerous high-speed chases.